Winter Olympics: The latest police search of a former coach's lodgings has unearthed "medical equipment" useful in the investigation into possible doping violations by members of the Austrian Winter Olympics team, a police source has revealed.
"Medical equipment was found in the house Walter Mayer was staying in and this material is considered useful in the investigation," the source said after a fresh raid last night. It will now be analysed further.
The International Olympic Committee will launch a disciplinary investigation to probe possible doping violations by the Austrian biathlon and cross-country skiing team even without a positive doping test.
Angered by Austria's decision to snub an Olympics ban imposed on Mayer and have him come to Turin and meet with athletes, the IOC said a probe into potential anti-doping violations would start soon.
Mayer was banned by the IOC until and including the 2010 Winter Games after a blood doping scandal he was involved in during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
The World Anti-Doping Agency tipped off the IOC that Mayer was spotted near the athletes and the IOC informed police. A night-time police and IOC doping raid on the two teams' quarters in San Sicario and Pragelato on Saturday also found syringes, drugs and blood transfusion equipment. Ten of the athletes were also tested for drugs.